Between the Living and the Dead

As Jen pores over her introductory biology textbook, she falls asleep and enters a nightmarish world in which bacteria and viruses dwarf human beings. This engagingly written case explores the differences between viruses and bacteria while teaching about the basic components and “life” cycle of a T-even bacteriophage. The case includes a follow-up assignment in which students explore the risks and potential benefits of using bacteriophage to control bacterial disease. The case is appropriate for general biology and microbiology college courses as well as AP biology high school classes.

Objectives:

Describe the differences between virus, bacteria, and bacteriophage.

Explain the basic components and the life cycle of a T-even bacteriophage.

Understand the indirect effect bacteriophages have on people.

Explain the classification and history of bacteriophage.

Appreciate the risk and potential in using bacteriophage to control bacterial disease.

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